Prevalence of Urinary Tract Infection amongChildren with Febrile Convulsion

Background: Febrile convulsion (FC) and urinary tract infection (UTI) account for a large number of visits to pediatric emergency departments and both are common during early childhood. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of UTI among children presenting with FC. Methods: In this prospective study, children with FC who presented to a pediatric emergency department were consecutively evaluated by an attending pediatrician. Demographic data, characteristics of convulsion, signs, and symptoms of UTI, laboratory findings, and final diagnoses were collected. Catheter specimens for urine analysis and culture were obtained from all of the patients. Results: A total of 153 children (88 boys, 57.5%) with mean age ± SD of 21.64 ± 12.86 months were included. Urinary frequency and abdominal pain were present in 6 (3.9%) and 10 (6.5%) patients, respectively. 50 patients (32.7%) had an altered urine analysis. UCs was positive in 17 (11.1%) patients, 58.8% of whom did not have any signs or symptoms attributable to UTI. E. coli was the only isolated pathogen. Conclusion: The prevalence of UTI among children with FC is relatively high and most of the patients have no signs or symptoms other than fever. Routine performance of UC is recommended in this population.